Samuel Ray Wallace

Samuel Ray Wallace was born in Lamesa, TX to Ruby Sanders and Billy Ray Wallace. He resided in Odessa, TX until his death. Sam attended Douglass Elementary School, Odessa, TX. He graduated from Blackshear Jr.-Sr. High School in 1966. He was a member of the last class to graduate from Blackshear, an all-black school located in Odessa, TX.

Sammy Ray married Rebecca Lee Ricks on September 10, 1987, in Odessa TX. He was known for his imminent kindness, generosity and ever-present smile. He proudly served in the Marine Corps, where he embraced the discipline and camaraderie that defined his service. He worked at Ace Transportation for many years, dedicating himself to his role with loyalty and integrity. 

He was a devout member of Greater St. John Baptist Church, Odessa, TX. Sammy Ray was not only a very proud deacon but also loved making a joyful noise in the choir for a very, very short time. His dedication to his faith and church community was profound, often volunteering and participating in church activities, willing to help in any way he could. 

Family was the cornerstone of Sammy Ray’s life. He relished family gatherings and cherished the time spent with loved ones, whether it was playing spades, or dominos with his sons, or sharing stories and wisdom with his great-granddaughter, Sha’leya. From his Monday night brotherhood bible study to his long conversations with his daughters were a source of great pleasure and comfort.

Sammy Ray departed this life on January 12, 2025, and is preceded in death by his wife Rebecca Wallace, mother Ruby Sanders, father Billy Ray Wallace, grandparents Ruben Williams, Mamie Oages Williams, and Annie Williams, brother Wayne Allen Wallace (Bo-leg), sister Leona Robinson, daughter Quntina Wallace, and granddaughter Azaley Wallace. 

Sammy Ray is survived by his two sons Corey Wallace (Lisa) of Odessa TX, Sam Wallace (Ashley) of Odessa TX; daughter Mirenda Renee’ Pertile (Fredrick) of Midland TX, Samantha Duffy ( Milton) of Houston TX, Dollie Mooney of Odessa TX, Kimberly Wallace of Houston TX; stepdaughter Chaquana Harris of Ft Worth TX; his pride and joy great-granddaughter Sha’leya Kelly of Odessa TX; sister Verna Taylor (Calvin) of Odessa TX; brother Darwin Robinson of Odessa TX, Quincy Wallace (Callie) of Midland TX, Charles Wallace (Sandra) of Lamesa TX; special sister Sandra McDowell of Austin TX; special friend Sammy Quigley; cousin Beaulah Leeper; 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Active Pallbearers: Robert Edwards Jr, Christopher Edwards, Murray Duffy, LaVorick Robinson, Anthony DiFrancesco, Ry’Ale (Ray) Moses

Honorary Pallbearers: Sammy Quigley, Quinten Wallace, Morris Nelms, Corey Wallace, and Sam Wallace.